Franklin High orchestra to play at Symphony Hall

For a half-hour this afternoon, a group of 47 Franklin High students will take the stage and live a dream.

By Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Posted Apr. 17, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 17, 2010 at 5:03 PM

By Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Posted Apr. 17, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 17, 2010 at 5:03 PM

FRANKLIN

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For a half-hour this afternoon, a group of 47 Franklin High students will take the stage and live a dream.

The Franklin High School Orchestra will play at Symphony Hall in Boston at 2:30 p.m. today, and for senior cellist Meaghan McGrath, it's a perfect send-off.

"I'm not playing in college, so it's a nice way to end my last year in orchestra," McGrath said yesterday in the band room.

The 56-piece orchestra (some won't play because of April vacation) won a gold medal at the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association concert band festival last weekend - also winning the opportunity to play in Boston's famous music hall.

"I was really surprised by it - not that we're bad or anything, but it's our senior year, and it was a big shock to win the gold and get to go to Symphony Hall," she said.

Instructor Leighanne Cullen said all of the musicians were surprised by the news.

"All they heard was 'Symphony Hall' and 'gold medal' and they said 'is that us?"' Cullen said with a laugh.

She explained the concert last weekend was in a competition against the association's musical standard - not other schools, and that students from around the state perform at different levels, 1 being the easiest; 6 being the hardest.

The Franklin orchestra performed at a level four at Foxborough High School last Saturday, and have been preparing for today's big moment since.

"I'm really, really excited. It's like a once in a lifetime chance," said freshman violinist Katie Hickey. "I really appreciate music, so to go where the professionals play is really great."

Freshman violinist Sean Pryhoda is a little nervous.

"I haven't ever been on a stage, so yeah, it's a little nervewracking," he said.

Cullen, who will conduct her students, has nothing but confidence.

"They're ready, they wouldn't be going if they weren't ready," she said.

She said orchestra is a yearlong academic elective, and the students are active both in and out of the classroom.

"Music is an academic subject that has just as much importance in their lives as English, math, science or social studies. It's their way of expression, communication and teamwork," she said. "They do their work really hard - and willingly. They're a pleasure to work with because they try to do what I ask. That's not true of all students."

The Symphony Hall concert will feature other gold medal winners from around the state, and is open to the public free of charge at 301 Massachusetts Ave.

McGrath said this will set the tone for the high school orchestra for years to come.

Page 2 of 2 - "It's setting the standards for next year and the year after that. You can do it."